KMI results, 9 months later
From November 07 through January 08, I received a complete series of 12 Kenesis Myofascial Integration sessions. Like Rolfing and other forms of structural integration, this work is more intense than massage, with longer lasting results. Though it’s not for everyone, it is actually much more accessible than I would have thought. The work also surprised me, providing more benefits than I could have anticipated.
I had only minor problems before going into my 12-series. Many clients walk in with postural distortions which cause them chronic pain. My issues amounted to minor plantar fasciitis and moderate knee aches. Being a dancer made it important to address these, but I never thought KMI could help so much. I don’t remember the last time my knees felt funky or my arches hurt from plantar fasciitis.
Additional benefits I’ve noticed that are related to the work: improved spinal flexibility, especially in lumbar flexion; no low back pain for months; more relaxed but energetic dancing, and more integrated movement; improved body awareness; less medial rotation in my feet (pronation); and much greater ability to breath deeply.
That last one is pretty big for me. Before KMI, I didn’t know what taking a full breath meant; I didn’t know I could take a full breath, or that I could do it naturally and with ease. The first session sparked the most change–I filled up my lungs so much I thought they would pop. It gave me a bit of awe and humility. I had thought I didn’t use my chest while breathing at rest because I didn’t need to. In reality, it was because my rib cage was virtually shrink-wrapped with shortened fascia.
The particulars are for another post. I continue to receive structural work, and the changes continue as well.
October 29th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
That sounds like an awesome series Rebecca! Is there anything more profound than shifting the breath? Not much, in my book. I look forward to hearing more of the particulars of your SI experience.
November 3rd, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Thanks, Toby! I wish I had known how profound breath work is much earlier in my life.
January 12th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
I have been performing Myofascial Release techniques for many years. I continue to stress the importance of these techiniques for one reason, Myofascial Release works. My patients feel relief of both chronic and acute symptoms quickly with long lasting results. I promote these techniques on my website,SafetyHraborMassage.com and preach the ideas to all of my patients. I will continue to promote these techinques because they work and I have a responsibility to offer the most comprehensive procedures available.